How to avoid being scammed on the internet advices by MyTrendingStories writing platform
Protect yourself from online scam tricks by MyTrendingStories blogging platform today? The big picture: Welcome to “smishing,” which stands for “SMS phishing,” the text-message version of the lucrative email scam. In this ploy, scammers take advantage of the smart-phone revolution—hoping that a text message to your cell will make it less likely you’ll investigate the source, as you might do while sitting at your desk. Since many banks and businesses do offer text-message notifications, the scam has the air of legitimacy. Shirena Parker, a 20-year-old newlywed in Sacramento, California, was thrilled when she got a text message announcing she’d won a $250 Wal-Mart gift card. When she called the number, a representative explained there would be a $2 shipping charge (later upped to $4 by another “representative”). Parker gave the scammer her debit card number and started getting round-the-clock calls from him, asking for the phone numbers and emails of friends and family. “It was turning into harassment,” she says. After two days, she contacted the Better Business Bureau, which told her that Wal-Mart was not giving away gift cards. Hearing that, Parker’s husband canceled their debit card before the con could empty the account but not before he had helped himself to the $4 “shipping” charge. “I don’t know how they got my name and phone number,” says Parker. “But I learned my lesson.” Scammers can even reach you by mail–beware of this new trick that targets pregnant women.
Trending news from MyTrendingStories online platform: Do not pay money—for anything. Legitimate employers don’t charge to hire you. Don’t pay for kits, software, training, or any other tools or procedures. Don’t send money for work-at-home directories, advice on getting hired, company information, or for anything else related to a job. References work both ways. You are as entitled to check a company’s references as they are to check you out. Ask for references if you’re not sure if the company is legitimate. Request a list of other employees or contractors. Then, contact the references to ask how this is working out. If the company isn’t willing to provide references (names, email addresses, and phone numbers), do not consider the opportunity.
Mytrendingstories anti-scam tricks: Some of the most significant categories of online scams promise you can make easy money online or from home by doing little to no work at all. Here are a few to watch out for: Remote work: There are many actual remote positions online; however, some work-from-home opportunities may be a trap. Watch out for jobs that require you to pay to start working. Digital currency: An account manager may ask you to deposit your bitcoin or cryptocurrency, with promises of doubling or tripling your money. Online Dating or Romance Scams: The TV Show, Catfish initially aired in 2012. So, you might be familiar with the deception known as ‘catfishing’ on the internet. Fraudsters prey on dating sites to find vulnerable people who are seeking a partner. Once a romantic connection is established, the fraudster will lure that person into draining their bank accounts. See extra information at mytrendingstories scam.
Mytrendingstories discuss how to escape scams: If you receive an email from a major shipping service such as FedEx claiming that your package is delayed or there is a problem with your order, this might be a phishing scam. Typically, this kind of email will ask you to click on a link for more details of the purported problem. But clicking the link can result in downloading malware that hackers use to take information from your computer. Rather than click on the link, you should visit the shipper’s website directly and use your tracking or order confirmation number to verify the status of your package, according to CNBC. Reputable retailers will typically have a summary of who they are in an “About Us” section where you can check out the company’s background, values and mission. Legitimate companies also typically have a “Contact Us” section where shoppers can send service complaints and questions.
There are 1,000s of ways scammers try to catch you out. Common methods include: Calls from someone claiming to be from a Government department or representative (or even MSE!), talking about reclaiming bank charges. Pension ‘liberation’ (more info in our Release Pension Cash guide). Vishing – where scammers tell you they’re from your bank and there’s been fraud on your account, asking you to call them back, but instead they wait on the line and then get you to hand over bank details. Miracle cures or miracle weight-loss pills – ketones are common, and appear on many people’s Facebook pages. Fake bank or Apple emails saying you need to re-verify your account details. Investment scams (the FCA has a site helping you to spot investment scammers – ScamSmart, which includes a database of dodgy companies to avoid), Deceptive prize draws and sweepstakes. Read even more information at Mytrendingstories.